Hi Lloyd, thanks very much for the photos and for the detailed explanation of your project.

I’m really glad Polyboard combined with the CabinetFile service worked for you, cutting down on errors dramatically by the sound of it. We planned this alternative to buying the software outright exactly for one-off or occasional projects like yours.

As promised months ago, please find attached the pictures of my first Polyboard project. Note that this kitchen projected started more than a year ago, but i would like to explain the reasons behind the length of time taken and the progress off this project. There are a few minor outstanding items as a result of my suppler short supplying the parts, but this will be completed once i find some more time in my schedule.

But first, let me start by saying, i am an amateur cabinet maker (IT Specialist by day) who does this purely as a hobby. I had undertaken small projects before but resorted to manually drawing out the plans which where time consuming and often presented calculation mistakes etc. Polyboard allowed me to accurately plot the plan, down to the millimeter. The best part however is that the software is cost effective for hobbyists as this allows you to utilize the full features without having to spend thousands of pounds on buying the commercial versions.

I started the design based on an existing layout, but utilized Polyboard to enhance the aesthetics by adding modern touches. Those being wine racks, spice cabinets, large pull out pot drawers etc. I was also able to create the spaces required for my appliances with precise measurements.

I decided to use Raw MDF for the outer facing materials but spray painted this using a 2K high gloss white coating (Highly durable and non-yellowing) instead of PVC wrapping which turned out to be to costly based on the dimensions of this project. It came out amazing but took the most amount of time to complete.

I decided to break the single project down into 3 project files by simply copying the floor and wall layout. This allowed me to navigate around the different areas quite easily with the final layout in mind. The 3D view also allowed me to get a feel of what the final product will be.

I never expected the project to turn out so amazing, but more importantly this easy. Due to this being my first project, i had to learn the Polyboard features using the online resources, but i am busy with my second project now, which literally took me 1 hour (Design entire bedroom) to complete.

Please do feel free to respond to the post if your w and cutting lists to make it all so easy.

Hi Lloyd, here are your files. For some reason, the second version you sent me of -stove-wall has been corrupted to the extent I couldn’t export the part by part DXF files.

I don’t think you will need them, but let me know if you do, and upload a newly saved version of that Polyboard project to the forum so I can try again. We’re taking a look at the possible reasons behind this at our end too.

The extra files are DXF files of the whole project and each individual part. These can be used by suppliers to run their CNC machines for example, or you can import DXF to a CAD programme like SketchUp to work on your project further.

I have re-activated my full membership and paid the membership fee. Kindly assist with the attached projects, I require the cutting lists please.

Also, i noticed that the previous documents sent to me contained a number of other files, how do we go about using these files and what are they meant for, as the file types were not recommended.

Thank you and regards

Lloyd.

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January 18, 2016 - 7:22 pm

Hi Lloyd, thanks for the details of your supplier. We will definitely contact them.

Thanks for using our CabinetFile Lite service. Here are your files.

Please note, CabinetFile Lite is a processing service only. We haven’t checked your final designs in any way. I did notice however that you’ve used the Quick Design materials. I assume you’ve got that covered with the conversation you’re going to have with pennypinchers.

Otherwise watch the ‘Quick Design Construction Materials’ video on this page to see how to change from Quick Design materials to materials that are more coherent to manufacture:

Thanks for the reply, I will speak to my supplier about partnering with yourselves, You may also try to contact them Penny Pinchers they are a national chain so they would be a perfect partner, plus the added benefit of a free full membership would be great 🙂

Regarding the project files, please find the updated files that is now ready for generation of the cutting list.

I am aware of certain components and parts being missing which i will discuss with my supplier, so i am happy to just proceed with the project plans as they are.

Thank you very much for your assistance.

Regards

Lloyd

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January 14, 2016 - 1:57 pm

Hi Lloyd, thanks for the update. We’ll put it on hold for now as you say.

We don’t have an Approved Supplier in South Africa at the moment. Would be nice to get one set up. If you want, let me know the name of the guys you’re using and I’ll see if they’re interested.

As with other partners we’ve got, they would have the full version of Polyboard so you’d just send your design files to them to process, and then cut and machine the parts. And anyone using them gets Full membership for free too. Or see what they think about it when you next speak to them.

But no worries if you’d rather not start down that road. All the best…

thank you for your prompt reply. As i am new to the software, i am still finding my way around it.

Thanks for advising me on the procedure to have the cutting lists generated.

I will be forwarding to a board company for cutting & edging, thereafter assembling and paint certain aspects myself.

I have done some cabinet building in the past, however, everything was manually drawn out and Poly-board makes this a lot more simple.

Seeing that the cutting list has to be manually generated by yourselves, please can i ask that you place that on hold, i will double check all my components and ensure that it is correct first before uploading them again.

Once again, thanks for your prompt response, i look forward to completing the project with polyboard.

regards

Lloyd

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January 14, 2016 - 1:30 pm

Hi Lloyd, thanks for signing up. To use the CabinetFile Lite service, all you have to do is post your project file (as you’ve done) and we’ll process it and send your back your cutting list.

I have signed up for the full membership and I am just a little bit confused. I need help with the following:

How do I go about generating the cutting lists? The instructions were not completely clear.

I see that we are allowed 1 free project per month. I have broken my project down into 3 different project files due to the complex layout of the room. It became extremely difficult to navigate around the room so I needed to break it up, how do I go about getting the cutting lists combined.